BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Kam Shanks was always destined for the SEC.
Some tell a story that the speedy Prattville, Ala., native even caught the eye of legendary head coach Nick Saban. However, the Crimson Tide ultimately shied away due to his 5-foot-8, 170-pound build.
Trent Dilfer, on the other hand, didn’t blink.
Shortly after becoming UAB’s head coach in December 2022, Dilfer set his sights on Shanks, whose small stature had made him one of the biggest hidden gems in prep Alabama football. A three-star recruit at the time, Shanks committed to Liberty in June that year, but Hugh Freeze’s move to Auburn that November gave the Blazers an opportunity to pounce.